This course can trace its roots back to 1963 when it was set up by Franz Königsberger, the first professor of machine tools in the UK. Over the years, this course as evolved by incorporating new topics of manufacturing technology and manufacturing systems into its syllabus.
Today, the course provides the perfect blend of fundamental subjects such as computer numerical machining, lasers, and metrology, with topics that have emerged over the last few years, for example bioengineering, Industry 4.0, and additive manufacturing.
As such, the course provides graduates with a background in mechanical engineering and engineering-related subjects, or even non-engineering backgrounds (such as physics), the perfect opportunity to further their knowledge in an area of great importance to the future of society.
The programme addresses three aspects of postgraduate manufacturing engineering education:
Firstly, to develop an understanding of and gain practical skills in manufacturing technology and processes, delivered through four technical units. These units focus on, for example, the use of lasers, robots, and additive manufacturing to produce highly accurate components in an environmentally sustainable and efficient manner. Secondly, to develop an understanding of the underlying organisation of the production of goods within a company, which is the subject of the unit 'manufacturing systems'. And, thirdly, through an additional three units, the development of general research skills such as how to design, conduct, and evaluate experiments, or how to use the finite element method for modelling the performance of cutting tools.
Encompassing a broad multi-disciplinary field and many diverse topics, you will enjoy in-depth study spanning everything from the fundamentals of manufacturing processes to the management of manufacturing systems and the use of finite elements. Upon completion of the taught part of the programme, in early June, you will then have the opportunity for specialised study in your dissertation project, where you will work on a specific problem independently for three months whilst being supported by an academic supervisor.
All units are delivered by academics who are experts in their field, with most units being delivered by members of Manchester's well-established manufacturing group . Numerous laboratory and computer cluster sessions will allow you to develop your practical skills, where you will not only benefit from Manchester's world-class research facilities such as the Laser Processing Research Laboratory and the Digital Manufacturing Laboratory, but also from the brand-new home of engineering here at Manchester, the Nancy Rothwell Building.
Whilst intended primarily for those wishing to pursue an industrial career, this programme is equally relevant as a preparation for further doctoral studies. As a result, every year, several of our graduates decide to continue with their academic career by studying a PhD either here at The University of Manchester or another top university in the world.
The standard academic entry requirement forthis master's programmeis aupper second class (2:1) UK honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
Please note that we consider grades achieved in key relevant modules in your undergraduate degree as well as the overall degree result.